A popular Latin-inspired restaurant featuring sharing-style dining is opening its second location in metro Atlanta, AtlantaFi has learned. Babalu Tapas & Tacos’ opened its first restaurant in the city at the 33 Peachtree Place retail/residential development on the corner of West Peachtree Street and Peachtree Place.
Next year, Babalu is slated to open in the old Roswell Theater building in Roswell.
The term Babalu comes from the song made famous from actor Desi Arnaz’s character Ricky Ricardo in the television series “I Love Lucy.” Monday’s opening marks the seventh location of the Jackson, Mississippi-founded restaurant.
When the Midtown location opened last year, corporate execs were bullish on Atlanta.
“With our corporate offices nearby, our new Midtown Atlanta restaurant is an extra special opening for our team of experienced leaders who know the city like the back of their hands,” Stan Stout, chief operating officer of Roswell-based Eat Here Brands, said in a news release. “We’re excited to be in a city that’s known for its Southern hospitality because offering a dining experience that brings people together is what we’re all about.”
Here are some of our favorite menu items from Babalu:
- Signature guacamole made tableside with Hass avocado, sun-dried tomato, red and green onion, kosher salt, cilantro and lime juice, served with house chips
- Pan roasted redfish: rösti potatoes, smoked corn pico de gallo, red chili butter sauce
- Taco de pato: duck confit, avocado mousse, yellow onions, Cotija cheese, lime vinaigrette & cilantro